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The two branches of the Saskatchewan River, the North Saskatchewan and the South Saskatchewan, form the most important waterway on the western prairies. Most of the Prairies provinces drain through the Saskatchewan River. The two branches flow out of Alberta and join near the city of PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. The river continues east to empty into LAKE WINNIPEG at Grand Rapids, Man. The combined length is 1939 km. Henry KELSEY was the first European to see the broad river valley winding across the prairie, in 1690. Later it became the great artery of the fur trade, carrying traders to the foothills of the Rockies. Posts were built along its banks at several spots. The most important of these were CUMBERLAND HOUSE and FORT EDMONTON. Medicine Hat and Saskatoon are located on the South Saskatchewan. Edmonton and North Battleford are on the north branch. Steamboats operated on the river between 1872 and 1899. Between 1959 and 1968 on the southern branch, two dams were built which provide electrical power and irrigation to much of southwestern Saskatchewan. LAKE DIEFENBAKER was created by the dams. The river was called Kisiskatchewani Sipi, meaning "swift-flowing river," by the Cree.
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